Thrive - by Lisa M Lawson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A bold new argument for harnessing brain science to help young people realize their full potential, from the noted business and foundation leader

"In the last decade, a growing body of longitudinal neuroimaging research has demonstrated that adolescence is a period of continued brain growth and change, challenging longstanding assumptions that the brain was largely finished maturing by puberty." -National Institutes of Health

Breakthroughs in adolescent brain science have made it clear that young people need stable relationships, meaningful opportunities and strong support to become thriving adults. Yet far too many grow up without access to these essentials. Whether it's a young person trying to finish school and secure their first job, navigating the trauma of losing loved ones to violence or seeking connection after being placed in foster care, their experiences reveal how deeply our public systems are falling short--and how urgently we must act.

A major new book for parents, local leaders, and policymakers alike, Thrive argues that how we understand and address the unequal experiences of adolescence holds the key to ensuring that all children have an equal chance of becoming successful adults. Drawing on her deep experience working in business and alongside youth, nonprofit and public system leaders as head of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, author Lisa M. Lawson offers a powerful and accessible look at what the science of adolescent development tells us--and what it demands of us. With clarity and purpose, she reveals how our policies and practices too often fail young people, and how we can do better by creating the connections, opportunities and support they need to reach their full potential.

Arguing that we all have a shared stake in helping young people navigate the road to adulthood, Lawson lays out the ways that public systems, nonprofits, businesses and families can draw lessons from science--and take steps to help all young people thrive.

Review Quotes

Praise for Thrive:
"Lisa Lawson's vision, intellect, curiosity, warmth and humanity infuse every page of Thrive--an essential and must-read book for any policy maker, funder, or leader who is working on youth and adolescence. It's a lively, page-turning read that makes you feel empowered and inspired--because Lawson helps us to see how we can all do so much more to create wellness, opportunity, and justice for all of our children. It's the future we want and need--and Lawson shows us how we can bring it to life."
--Greg Behrman, founder and CEO, NationSwell

"Thrive goes beyond simply exploring the adolescent brain; it is a unique guide on how we can empower young adults to achieve their full potential. Lawson debunks outdated notions of adolescence and clearly explains the science behind the teenage brain. This book will transform the way you see teenagers. It is a must-read for anyone invested in the future of our youth."
--Angela F. Williams, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide

"The psychological, neurobiological, and contextual changes that occur during adolescence serve the important function of laying the groundwork for adulthood. As a society, we can embrace developmental milestones during this period by supporting youths' basic needs, proclivity toward forming connections, and desire to explore the world around them. This book is the necessary call to action society needs to uplift the promise of adolescence."
--Adriana Galván, PhD, professor of psychology, dean of Undergraduate Education and co-executive director of the Center for the Developing Adolescent, University of California, Los Angeles

"Adolescence is so much more than a rite of passage that each of us experiences alone. It is a shared phase of life that involves changes to the brain; revolves around the engagement of peers, family, and community; and leaves young people on track for the future. In Thrive, Lawson paints this big picture--adolescence as a symphony, not a solo act. This book is a must-read for all who care about the future of our young people, and through their footsteps, the future of our world."
--Joshua M. Sharfstein, MD, Professor of the Practice in Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Praise for Thrive:
"Lisa Lawson's vision, intellect, curiosity, warmth and humanity infuse every page of Thrive-an essential and must-read book for any policy maker, funder, or leader who is working on youth and adolescence. It's a lively, page-turning read that makes you feel empowered and inspired--because Lawson helps us to see how we can all do so much more to create wellness, opportunity, and justice for all of our children. It's the future we want and need--and Lawson shows us how we can bring it to life."
--Greg Behrman, founder and CEO, NationSwell

"Thrive goes beyond simply exploring the adolescent brain; it is a unique guide on how we can empower young adults to achieve their full potential. Lawson debunks outdated notions of adolescence and clearly explains the science behind the teenage brain. This book will transform the way you see teenagers. It is a must-read for anyone invested in the future of our youth."
--Angela F. Williams, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide

"The psychological, neurobiological, and contextual changes that occur during adolescence serve the important function of laying the groundwork for adulthood. As a society, we can embrace developmental milestones during this period by supporting youths' basic needs, proclivity toward forming connections, and desire to explore the world around them. This book is the necessary call to action society needs to uplift the promise of adolescence."
--Adriana Galváaacute;n, PhD, professor of psychology, dean of Undergraduate Education and co-executive director of the Center for the Developing Adolescent, University of California, Los Angeles

"Adolescence is so much more than a rite of passage that each of us experiences alone. It is a shared phase of life that involves changes to the brain; revolves around the engagement of peers, family, and community; and leaves young people on track for the future. In Thrive, Lawson paints this big picture--adolescence as a symphony, not a solo act. This book is a must-read for all who care about the future of our young people, and through their footsteps, the future of our world."
--Joshua M. Sharfstein, MD, Professor of the Practice in Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

About the Author

Lisa M. Lawson is the president and chief executive officer of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Since taking the helm in 2019, Lawson has spearheaded Casey's Thrive by 25 effort, which aims to improve outcomes for adolescents ages fourteen to twenty-four to ensure they successfully transition to adulthood. In 2023, she was selected as one of Inside Philanthropy's fifty most powerful women in U.S. philanthropy. She lives in Baltimore.